JANESVILLE — A Janesville group that has demonstrated in recent months against federal spending cuts and against what they say is a lack of engagement by some elected members of Congress, is joining in a national protest on Thursday, July 17.
Demonstrators line South Main Street in Janesville as part of anti-Trump “No Kings†protests held nationwide on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
COURTESY DALE DEAN
“Good Trouble Lives On†is a planned nationwide day of peaceful, nonviolent action rooted in the legacy of the civil rights movement and inspired by the late Congressman John Lewis’ call to make “good trouble, necessary trouble.â€
The demonstration is at First Congregational United Church of Christ 54 S. Jackson St., Janesville, on Thursday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Organizers noted in a release that First Congregational UCC “is merely the venue,†and not otherwise involved in the planning. The Town Hall Coalition, in the release, also said it is an all-volunteer, nonpartisan group
Lewis was an American civil rights activist and politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives in Georgia from 1987 until his death in 2020.
During this event, organizers plan to honor Lewis’ commitment to non-violent resistance, and his dedication to community coalition-building.
“The Town Hall Coalition is pleased to be joining with communities nationwide on this fifth anniversary of the passing of civil rights hero Congressman John Lewis to speak out and peacefully protest against the shocking roll back of our civil rights that has taken place in the last six months,†co-organizer Coral Swanson said in the release. “Together with other local community organizations that champion justice, our voting rights and dignity for all, we are gathering in support of our constitution and our democratic institutions. We are ‘making good trouble’ as advised by Rep. Lewis.â€
The planned program will include a video tribute to Lewis, speakers, a pastoral reflection, an audience sing-along, a candlelight vigil and a march.
For more information email townhallcoalition@gmail.com or visit the Town Hall Coalition Facebook page or YouTube channel: @TownHallCoalition1stDistrict
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